Meet the Dockmaster
Grant Kelley is the dockmaster at Fan Pier Marina. Hailing from Vermont, he is an avid fan of water sports, skiing, and football. He loves boats and boating, despite being prone to getting seasick! Learn more about his journey and what he thinks boaters should look forward to at Fan Pier Marina.
How long have you been at Fan Pier Marina?
This is my third season with Fan Pier. Though I have spent much of my life working at marinas - for about seven summers growing up I was at a marina in Burlington, Vermont. Before I came here I was working at a boutique, luxury hotel in Park City, Utah.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I like talking to people. I like being outside. And I like boats! You get to meet a lot of cool people and make a lot of good connections. Food connections, especially. There are a lot of restaurant owners around.
Do you have any pets?
I don't right now, but I grew up with dogs. My family has a 10-pound Maltese named Ziggy.
What sports teams do you cheer for?
The Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, and especially the Patriots. I am an avid football fan, I spend every Sunday in the fall on my couch watching football. I get super into fantasy football, too, I'm a former league champion and am looking forward to this upcoming season.
Where's the best spot in the area to get ice cream?
Well, I'm from Vermont, so I'm biased towards Ben & Jerry's. There's one right around here and it's always so good!
What is your favorite amenity that boaters should take advantage of when they visit Fan Pier Marina?
I would encourage people to utilize the water taxis. We have a public transportation dock here and the water taxis can take you pretty much anywhere on the harbor, including the airport. They're a great part about this location.
What is your favorite event at the marina or in the surrounding area?
I really like the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. They've stopped in Boston the past few years and it's always a lot of fun. For events in the seaport, I really like the Snowport winter village they set up in the offseason.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm a good cook! My favorite meal to cook is ribeye steak with baked potato and broccoli.
What is your favorite book?
I like the Harry Potter series. I've read all those books like three times.
What is one hidden gem in the area that people may not know about?
James Hook Lobster is really good. A lot of people go to the Barking Crab, but James Hook probably has the best lobster roll around. They have a lot of good food, actually, and I think are very local.
What is your favorite thing to do in the offseason?
Ski! I usually take two weeks each winter and go out West to ski. I've skied Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Park City. This year we're going to Lake Tahoe in California!
Have you ever met anyone famous at the marina?
One time I met Rob Gronkowski. I asked him which team he was rooting for, the Patriots or the Buccaneers, and he told me the Bucs because he wanted to support Tom Brady, who played on the team at the time. I also met Dave Portnoy from Barstool this past summer and we took a photo together.